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Perceptions on Brian Hill's Work
Topic Started: Feb 27 2006, 07:34 PM (327 Views)
CGM
Sixth Man
I am new to this board, but I'm not going to lie; I'm Puerto Rican, so make your own conclusions how I arrived here.
Nevertheless, I want to learn about the Magic as much as I can (and not be labeled only as a Carlos Arroyo bandwagoner!).
Therefore, I am interested in finding out the "veteran forumites'" perceptions on Brian Hill and his job as head coach of the Magic.
Be sincere! Thanks!!
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efenell
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DA - Magic Legend
CGM,
I tried to voice my opinion on why B. Hill is not the right man for this job but nobody on this board was hearing it. THere was a huge outcry last year when Johnny Davis was coach to fire him...truth is, Davis had a much better record last year with practically the same team. I am convinced that we would have made the playoffs if we didnt trade Mobley. I wish we never would have gotten rid of Doc Rivers. I believe they hired Hill (when nobody else would even give him an interview) strictly to "right a wrong" that happend years ago....Strictly a public relations move....I dont like his style of B-Ball that he brought. I think that is what handcuffed Francis from playing his style of B-Ball which would have benefitted the team greatly.
That being said, I think changing coaches at this point in the season would not be good. I say give him another year and a half and see what he can do in the 2007-2008 before we fire him....My dream would be to bring in a young energetic coach then...and as I look into my crystal ball I see our future coach...The biggest crowd favorite in Orlando Magic history.....Darrell Armstrong
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Magic Buddy
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He does not like to use his bench that much and develop young players. When he was here the first time, the only bench player that recieved major playing time was Brian Shaw, that was because he backup the SG/PG positions, guess who was the backup center when Shaq was here, Horace Grant. He failed to develop Gert Hammick, Brooks Thompson, David Vaughn, and Brian Evans. Most of the time a bench player other than Brian Shaw played was during a blowout or if a starter was injured. I am starting to see this happening again. Yes I agree that he was hired to right a wrong, that is if you called it that. One key point, Game 1 of the NBA Finals, he should have called timeout for Nick Anderson on the second set of missed free throws or not let Kenny Smith attempt a 3-pointer after he already made 5 0ut 6 at that point when the Magic was up by 3 points.
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CGM
Sixth Man
Thanks guys; I'm impressed on the background data that you know/provide.

The point I mainly get from both of your reactions is that Hill does not like developing the new players or using the bench much.

However, in the few games I have watched since Arroyo arrived, I have seen him using a 10 men (maybe more) rotation.

My impression may be totally wrong, but is that 10 (or+) men rotation a "mirage" caused by one or more of the following: injured personnel, giving the fans what (apparently) they are paying to see (Carlos & Darko), realizing that the season is basically over so there is nothing to lose, or all/none of the aforementioned factors?

Thanks again for taking the time to react.
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TheFalcon
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Air Gortat
Hey CGM, welcome to the boards...

A few thoughts:

First, theres nothin wrong with being a Arroyo bandwagoner 8-)

Second, although I recognize efnell and magic buddy's points, my opinion of Hill is a little different. I, personally, am a fan of his coaching style. He does not like "reckless" ball, which is why many felt he "handcuffed" Francis. I was never a big fan of Francis' game, or players of his same mold. Although he shows flashes of brilliance, I feel his out-of-control style often hurts the team more than it helps. I like that he put restraints on Francis, and Im glad that that may have indirectly led to his being traded. I like controlled, passing-orineted point guards (which Arroyo appears to be!!).

As for bench play, I agree that he's not a big fan of going real deep on his bench. I think its not so much out of dislike towards bench players, but a desire to keep his best players on the court as much as possible. I think if he could, Hill would find the best 5 players, and play them the whole game. Out of neccessity, he brings guys off the bench. Although I wouldnt call myself a "fan" of this gameplan, im certainly not opposed to it. If he feels that playing our starting five maximum minutes gives us the best chance to win, then thats what he does. With Hill, nobody is guaranteed minutes - he will play those who give him the best chance to win.

Also, I understand the points about Hill not developing young players, however this doesnt seem to be the case this time around. Hes playing Howard as much as he can, hes given Nelson much more time on the court than he was given last year, and since the arrival of Darko and Arroyo, theyve both played significant roles in the rotation. This seems to revert back to my previous point. I think that if developing a young guy interferes with his plan to play the 5 best players as much as possible, then it doesnt really get done. He seems to be willing to develop young guys as long as it fits into his winning gameplan.

Overall, I think it is too early to praise or condemn him. I think hes done an admirable job making this a fun team to watch again. I certainly like the direction we are headed.

And just for the record, I would love to see Armstrong back as a coach or assistant...it would be great for the franchise.

Just my two (or possibly three) cents...
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Black and Blue
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Have You Hugged Your Van Gundy Today?
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Whoa, the long messages in this thread are great guys.

I spent so much time reading those that I am going to keep it short and sweet:

Johnny Davis was AWFUL. It seemed obvious to me that although the Stevie problem was awful under Brian Hill, Johnny Davis didn't have ANY semblence of control on his team and the Stevie problem really began there. I remember when people used to write on the boards how much they heard Francis yelling profanities at his teammates when he played under Davis. Davis also always had a blank look on his face that looked post-lobotomy. I dont know if you guys remembered, but making fun of Davis was pretty much my favorite thing to do on this board once upon a time :lol:

Hill, while still flawed (his substitutions are very bad at times) is a definite step in the right direction. He exercises control of his team, which is good for our young guys. He shows passion, which our team needs to get them up when the times get rough.
Most of all, though, he reminds us of our past teams and the team's history. Given our complete roster overhaul of late, this is more important than it seems. Once upon a time in the past, we started off with nothing and wound up in the finals under Hill. Given the right tools, he can do great things.

On a personal note, when I watched the Magic-Nets game live recently, and saw him pacing the sidelines, I felt like I was 12 again and watching our team in their prime again. That was good enough for me :)

Crap. This WAS a long message!
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CGM
Sixth Man
Well, up to this point it seems that your opinions towards Hill are split 50/50, which is great because that gives me valuable arguments/counteraguments to compare and most importanlty to observe while Hill's coaches, especially during this long road trip.

I really appreciate your long posts (I DO enjoy reading long posts!) and the Hill 101 course you offered (and I am NOT being sarcastic or a wise.ss about your Hill dissertation! I truly enjoyed it.)
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